FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011 >>>

1. It was a long and winding road that led songwriter, actor and pianist Steve Schalchlin from New York City to Olympia to perform a song cycle about a search for peace in a violent world. Schalchlin will perform the song cycle, New World Waking! (along with selections from his musicals) at 8 p.m. inside the Minnaert Center, joined by students at South Puget Sound Community College and Olympia musical theater luminaries Josh Anderson, Christina Collins and Lauren O'Neill. It's a benefit for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). To read Molly Gilmore's full story, click here.

2. And whilst you are on your travels in the far reaches of Puyallup, perhaps you could consider dropping in on a little Russian culture, just to make your afternoon complete. And to expand your knowledge of Russia beyond what you've seen in James Bond movies. The Puyallup Public Library will explore Russian folk culture through crafts, stories and language at 3 p.m. This event is part of the 2011 Summer Reading program at the Puyallup Public Library, which encourages children to explore "One World, Many Stories" at the Library. Second thought, unless you are younger than 12, it's best to explore something else in Puyallup.

3. Friday at the Fort is a 21 and older "date night" featuring light food and drinks, plus the musical styling of The Burren Boys of Olympia from 6-9 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Fort Nisqually Foundation, which supports the restoration, preservation historical interpretation and education of Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.

4. A bunch of hardcore folks are designing 24-page zines with a 24-hour time frame based out of the Olympia Timberline Library. We're not exactly sure when the thing starts or ends, but what we do know is zines will be read out loud at 7 p.m. followed by a dance party with Maxines and Happy Noose. That's all you really need to know.

5. The Taist of Iron reunion show will go down at 9 p.m. inside Stonegate Pizza. Blind Ambition joins the bill.

PLUS: Event suggestions in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight!